Refinancing your car loan may be one of the best financial moves you can make today. Refinancing your car generally will allow you to pay back your remaining loan balance over a longer period of time. This results in lower monthly auto loan payments, and these reduced monthly payments can make it easier for you to manage your budget. Of course, to enjoy the greatest benefit from refinancing your car loan, you will want to find the loan with the lowest monthly payment. Here are a few tips you can put to use to save money when refinancing your car loan.
The Longest Loan Term
Most refinance loan programs for car loans will allow you to choose from either a 36-month or 48-month loan term. While the interest rate associated with the longer term generally may be slightly higher than the rate for the shorter term, the lowest monthly payment is typically associated with a longer loan term. You may consider using an online loan calculator to compare the monthly loan payments associated with the different options before applying for your refinance car loan.
The Lowest Interest Rate
The interest rate of your auto loan will vary depending on the loan term you choose. However, it also will vary from loan program to loan program. You should consider shopping for the best rate possible for the loan term you have chosen. For example, if you have decided to apply for a 48-month auto loan term, compare rates offered from different lenders for different loans with a 48-month term. This effort at finding the lowest interest rate associated with the longest term will help you to keep your monthly loan payment as low as possible.
Total Loan Costs
In most cases, there are loan fees and charges that will need to be paid when you refinance your car loan. Many lenders will automatically roll these fees into your loan balance. It is common for many loan applicants to overlook these fees entirely since they don’t have to pay for them out-of-pocket. However, these fees are added costs to your loan that will ultimately affect your monthly loan payment. You do want to find a loan program with minimal loan fees and charges. Further, you may consider paying for these fees up-front so that they do not inflate your monthly loan payment.
Any car owner who is considering refinancing their car loan today can put these tips into practice to find the lowest loan payment possible. Keep these tips in mind as you search for the right car loan today.